Solidarity With Trapped Miners

Mining and maritime unions of Australia reach out to Chilean miners entrapped underground.

Dear comrades, We write on behalf of our two organisations, the Maritime Union of Australia which is an affiliate of the ITF and the CFMEU Mining and Energy Division who are affiliates of ICEM.

Both our organisations are also members of the Mining and Maritime Initiative that embraces international solidarity activity between maritime and mining unions around the globe, including supporting the struggles of the ILWU in their Boron dispute with Rio Tinto and the ongoing campaign by Los Mineros in Mexico fighting against brutal treatment in Mexico.

Both of our organisations together with the ITF and ICEM are elated at the news that the 33 miners are safe and reasonably well under the circumstances and we wish to forward to your union, its members and their families all of our best wishes for a speedy and safe rescue bringing them to the surface.

As unions representing miners, seafarers and dockworkers we know all too well the risks of our occupations and our members' best wishes to your organisation in this difficult time.

We will continue to watch in solidarity and hope as the rescue unfolds and if there is anything we can do by way of assistance, please don't hesitate contacting our organisations.